- Key insight: Identify specific needs and ways to support sandwich caregivers in the workforce.
- What's at stake: Employers who fail to support sandwich-generation caregivers risking employee retention and productivity.
- Supporting data: Nearly 30% of a specific caregiver demographic.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review
The challenges of taking care of children and aging loved ones are leading many employees to struggle with their schedules, finances and personal health. Benefits that help them manage these areas can make all the difference.
One in four adults is a caregiver, and nearly 30% of these fall into the sandwich category, according to research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. While everyone's caregiving journey is unique, certain categories of support like childcare, eldercare, financial wellness and preventive health have a broad reach in terms of reducing stress.
"We recognize that success at work begins with strong wrap-around support," Verlinda DiMarino, head of benefits at Liberty Mutual,
The company offers its caregivers a free membership to caregiving services that help them find providers for both children and aging relatives, a dependent care FSA that covers pre-tax caregiving expenses, unlimited one-on-one financial coaching, workshops and goal-setting programs to support employees making important financial decisions, she explained. "Without that support within the workplace, these employees are more likely to experience heightened stress and burnout, which can impact engagement and long-term retention."
Childcare choices
Childcare has surpassed retirement as a top benefit need, according to KinderCare. Depending on employee needs and company budget, employers can explore options ranging from on-site care to subsidies to backup care offerings. These can be especially helpful for parents of young children and times
"Employers have a real opportunity right now," Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions, said in an email. "When companies make child care easier to access and understand, parents can stay focused on their careers — and businesses see the payoff in productivity, loyalty, and long-term performance."
Read full article:
Further reading on childcare benefits:
Why waiting for universal child care will cost employers What working parents want from their child care benefits Child care support with a cultural twist
Eldercare options
From helping with daily tasks to understanding health and estate issues, employees looking after aging loved ones often spend hours each week doing hands-on work, researching and making decisions about care. Benefits that help them access in-home care services, as well as navigate the healthcare and legal systems, can save them time and offer peace of mind.
"It's a big shift when people … have to take care of their parents — it's scary, it's uncharted territory, and it's emotional," said Emily Rose, president of business solutions at LegalShield. "People end up being worried that they may make a bad decision, and they want to work with an expert who's dedicated and understands this."
Read the full article:
Further reading on eldercare benefits:
Caregivers find much-needed relief with this unique eldercare solution Eldercare support: The next the frontier in family-friendly benefits Caregiving responsibilities could be costing Gen Z their careers
Financial guidance
The cost of eldercare, from supplies to in-home or facility fees to medical bills, can make it difficult for employees to keep up with their own financial goals. Benefits that provide access to financial experts and long-term care projections can help employees identify aid options and align loved ones' needs with their own.
"Sandwich caregivers are dealing with very overwhelming financial situations," Jessica Tuman, head of Voya Cares, previously shared with EBN. "There's just no way to stay on top of these costs and when it comes to things like retirement or financial stability, they're just putting that on the back burner in order to care for these more immediate needs."
Read full article:
Further reading on caregiver financial wellness:
Protecting retirement for the sandwich generation Why long-term care should be included in financial planning Don't let caregiving sabotage retirement planning
Holistic preventive health benefits
In order to balance work and personal responsibilities, caregivers need to look after themselves. Access to preventive solutions such as therapy and annual physicals — and the time to engage in these wellness appointments — helps employees stay on top of their health.
"Family caregivers serve many roles: chef, financial planner, chauffeur, housekeeper, personal stylist and bather, physical and emotional supporter, care coordinator and more," Kim Thiboldeaux, CEO of Northeast Business Group on Health, wrote in an article for EBN.
"Increasingly, their responsibilities extend to medical and nursing tasks for which little training, education, and support are provided. For many employees, their caregiving responsibilities are the equivalent of an additional part-time job or even a full-time job."
Read the full article:
Further reading on caregiver wellness needs:
How employers can support mentally, financially strained caregiver staff Preventive care is collapsing, and employers may soon pay the price How technology is easing mental health care pain points
Flexible work opportunities
One of the top asks from caregivers in every generation is flexibility,
Whether it's a long-term schedule arrangement or sporadic as needs arise, employer support when employees need to show up for loved ones is essential.
"The value that flexibility from your employer brings to your life cannot be overstated," says Clare Jones, a marketing outreach manager, explained to EBN. "My manager has always allowed me flexible time to attend parent-teacher meetings, sports days and doctor appointments, but they went above and beyond … [when] I needed flexible working and unscheduled time off to be with a dear friend and her family as she lost her battle with cancer … And [when] my partner was taken to the hospital — [and couldn't] drive for three months. [The company] has been incredible in assisting me in navigating this, adjusting my hours for my children's school pickups and hospital appointments."
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Further reading about flexible work policies:
